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It's Friday, and that means it's time for Heather Brown to dig into the Good Question mailbag to answer some of your best queries. And it looks like, despite it being so late in the season, people still have many questions about winter.
We've always heard it's the mom's age that can affect the health of a child. But a new study shows if dads wait until their 40s or 50s, their children have an increased risk of autism, ADHD and bipolar disorders.
The inscription on New York City's U.S. Postal Service headquarters reads: "Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds."
What do you think of some egg and sausage wrapped in a waffle with a syrup on the side? Taco Bell is making a big bet you're willing to try it. Its new Breakfast Waffle Taco and A.M. Crunchwrap are some of the new items available when the chain starts offering breakfast next month.
Every year, the IRS receives 240 million tax returns. The Minnesota Department of Revenue processes 2.7 million returns. On Friday, WCCO viewer Brian from Shakopee was surprised when both the state and federal governments approved his filing within hours. He has a Good Question for us: Does an actual person actually read over tax forms, or does a computer program scan it for errors? According to Terri Steenblock, the assistant commissioner of individual taxes with the Minnesota Department Revenue, the answer can be both.
It's Friday, and that means it's time for Heather Brown to dig into the Good Question mailbag to answer some of your best queries. We start with a question many of you have written in this winter concerning.
On Wednesday, Facebook announced it would buy WhatsApp, a free texting, picture-sending application popular in India, Latin American and Europe, for $19 billion. WhatsApp was created in 2009 and now reportedly has 52 employees. It brings in some revenue from a nominal $1 charge for some of its 450 million customers.
When it comes to milk, Americans are drinking much less than we used to. According to USDA statistics, we drank 0.96 cups of milk a day in 1970. By 2010, that dropped to 0.61 cups.
A Star Tribune Minnesota Poll out Tuesday found that a slight majority – 51 percent -- of Minnesotans favor legalizing medical marijuana. Already, 20 other states allow it, but patients must buy it through shops and dispensaries.
With all of the snow and subzero temperatures this winter, several of you have wondered about how firefighters are able to use the hydrants when they need them. Jeff from Plymouth and Carol from Eagan asked: How does the water in a fire hydrant not freeze? Roger from St. Paul wanted to know: Whose responsibility is it to keep the fire hydrants clear?
Amerti asked: Why do we associate red with romance? For centuries, red has meant danger, strength, courage and love. It's always been considered a powerful color that stands out to represent things that are powerful to people. Carol Bruess, professor of family studies at the University of St. Thomas, says it all probably comes down to what's in our veins. "The heart is the organ that pumps 'red' blood through our life system, the body," Bruess said.
Many of us will be celebrating Valentine's Day on Friday with a nice dinner out and maybe a bottle of wine. That had us wondering: How do you find the best value for a bottle?
Sky, a 5-year-old Wire Fox Terrier, won Best in Show at Tuesday night's Westminster Kennel Club's Dog Show. She beat out 2,800 other dogs to take home the title, which comes with a trophy, ribbon and steak lunch. More than 180 different breeds of dogs took part in the annual event, so that got us wondering: How did we get to many different types of dogs?
On Tuesday night, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted French President François Hollande for an official state dinner at the White House.
Every day, almost 30,000 planes take off and land in the United States without a hitch. But a new report released by the Associated Press found at least 150 flights have landed or almost landed at the wrong airport since the mid-90s. These flights include a cargo 747 that landed at a small Kansas airport last fall, eight miles from its intended target. And there was a Southwest 737 last month that was headed for Branson, Mo. but ended up at a small airport seven miles away.
It's been nearly a year since downtown St. Paul has been without a full-service grocery store.
A Twin Cities lawmaker will plead with state lawmakers Wednesday to help keep Minnesota's largest level-one trauma hospital open.
Fleet Farm says it'll change its policies and pay Minnesota $1 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the retailer of selling guns to straw purchasers, who then sold them to others.
A family is left heartbroken, and a community is reeling after a man allegedly killed two of his cousins in Minneapolis, before coming to a retail hub in neighboring Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where investigators say he was killed in a shootout with police.
Two Minnesota school districts and a teachers union are seeking an emergency order to stop federal agents from staging at and around public schools.
A 15-year-old girl was killed and a 17-year-old boy was seriously injured in a crash Sunday afternoon in southern Minnesota.
The winners of this year's Name a Snowplow contest pay homage to beloved Minnesota filmmakers, legends of rock and pop music and more.
Lydia Kaiser, an eighth grader at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis who was wounded during a mass shooting during school Mass last August, spoke out Tuesday at the Minnesota Capitol for the first time since the attack and pushed lawmakers to act on gun violence prevention.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz unveiled his plans to prevent gun violence in the state on Tuesday morning.
Members of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee voiced their frustrations and concerns Monday as they work to tackle the crisis in the state's autism programs.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
A bill designed to stop grooming in Minnesota schools is moving forward after its first hearing on Tuesday. It follows a WCCO investigative series where a young woman shared what she says happened to her in high school.
A bill designed to stop grooming in Minnesota schools is moving forward after its first hearing Tuesday. The House Education Policy Committee heard testimony on the bill. It follows a WCCO investigative series where a young woman shared what she says happened to her in high school.
Some congressional democrats refused to attend the presidential address, holding their own events in Washington in opposition. Ashley Grams shares more.
In his first State of the Union since returning to office, President Donald Trump spent just shy of two hours, addressing Congress about a wide range of topics. Some of those topics have direct ties to the North Star state.
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar and President Trump had multiple tense exchanges during Tuesday night's State of the Union, as the Democratic lawmaker accused him of lying about fraud in the state and "killing Americans" with his immigration policies.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Trump's economic plan late last week: tariffs. But the president fought back, slapping a 15% global tariff on imported goods.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Fleet Farm says it'll change its policies and pay Minnesota $1 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the retailer of selling guns to straw purchasers, who then sold them to others.
A family is left heartbroken, and a community is reeling after a man allegedly killed two of his cousins in Minneapolis, before coming to a retail hub in neighboring Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where investigators say he was killed in a shootout with police.
Lydia Kaiser, an eighth grader at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis who was wounded during a mass shooting during school Mass last August, spoke out Tuesday at the Minnesota Capitol for the first time since the attack and pushed lawmakers to act on gun violence prevention.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz unveiled his plans to prevent gun violence in the state on Tuesday morning.
A Minneapolis woman pleaded guilty Monday to murder and other charges in connection with a 2024 crash that killed two people.
A Twin Cities lawmaker will plead with state lawmakers Wednesday to help keep Minnesota's largest level-one trauma hospital open.
Members of the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee voiced their frustrations and concerns Monday as they work to tackle the crisis in the state's autism programs.
Minnesota is in its second full month of a sweeping new paid leave policy that impacts almost all residents.
Measles cases in the U.S. are rising at the fastest rate in a generation, and the trend now includes five cases in Minnesota since the start of the new year.
It's a place that sees patients in the worst of times. And now, Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis is in the worst of ways.
Nick Reiner, 32, was charged with two counts of murder in the killing of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The EP, released on Ash Wednesday and called "Days of Ash" is "of the moment we wish we weren't in . . . but are," Bono said.
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert criticized CBS on Monday night, saying the network blocked his interview with U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico from airing.
Anderson Cooper will report multiple stories for "60 Minutes" before the end of the television season in May.
Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul will be home to Minnesota's first Major League Volleyball team, sharing the space with the Wild and Frost during their seasons. Pedro Mendes and CC McGraw will be the two leading the new era of pro volleyball in the state. Both have a strong love for Minnesota already in their DNA.
American skier Lindsey Vonn, who crashed seconds into her downhill race at the 2026 Winter Olympics, said she is finally out of the hospital as she recovers.
Tyrese Maxey had 39 points and eight assists, VJ Edgecombe made a career-high six 3-pointers and finished with 24 points, and the Sixers beat the Timberwolves 135-108 to snap a four-game losing streak.
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan is expected to be available for the start of the season after an MRI revealed only inflammation in his lower back.
Kelvin Yeboah scored in the 90th minute to rally Minnesota United to a 2-2 draw with Austin FC in a season opener.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Abou Amara, a Democratic analyst, and Amy Frederiksen, a Republican analyst, about the political impact.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will send a letter this week, demanding DHS and DOJ turn over evidence in the shooting death of Alex Pretti.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it will be chilly tomorrow with highs in the low-20s.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the wind will settle down and it will cool to the single digits overnight.
After a Tuesday filled with icy rain and strong winds, the wintry mix will move out of Minnesota and temps will start to drop, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
After a Tuesday filled with icy rain and strong winds, the wintry mix will move out of Minnesota and temps will start to drop, says meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it will be chilly tomorrow with highs in the low-20s.
The deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips. In Good Question, Jeff Wagner helps us understand what travel insurance policies actually cover if your vacation is suddenly interrupted.
A bill designed to stop grooming in Minnesota schools is moving forward after its first hearing Tuesday. The House Education Policy Committee heard testimony on the bill. It follows a WCCO investigative series where a young woman shared what she says happened to her in high school.
Some congressional democrats refused to attend the presidential address, holding their own events in Washington in opposition. Ashley Grams shares more.
In his first State of the Union since returning to office, President Donald Trump spent just shy of two hours, addressing Congress about a wide range of topics. Some of those topics have direct ties to the North Star state.